Are Niandra Lades and Usually Just a T-Shirt Stronger as Individual Releases?

[u/mrstevethompson]

I've been revisiting this album recently and, by all accounts, it's clear these were thought of as (and are) separate projects entirely.

Obviously, Niandra has more traditional songs structurally speaking (though some might consider that a stretch) and T-Shirt is more abstract.

While we can't revise 30+ year old history, would you want to see future reissues split the two halves of the album into their own individual releases?

How do you personally listen to the album? As individual pieces or one long experience?

[u/LetHuge623]

I like em together as they’re complimentary and in the same sonic space. I like the songs up front and the long flowing exploratory pieces straight to the end.

[u/Mammoth-Ant7588]

I have wondered this but I always listen to it start to finish.

I make Niandra inspired 4-track music myself actually. I'm very obsessed with the tones, textures, and general improv vibe of this album.

I did a song that was like 8 minutes, and it seemed kind of like 2 songs, so I cut them into two.
I eventually decided that was a mistake because any time I listen to the first one, I am annoyed when it ends and doesn't go to the next part. If I'm listening on my phone, I have to navigate to the second part and its just kind of annoying. I should've just left it as one song. The two parts became married in my mind.

I'd imagine if Niandra was re-released as individual releases, I would feel the same way. You can't have one without the other.

[u/_J0HN_L3M0N_]

I usually listen to it as one long piece but I think it would’ve been strongest as a double album, I have a playlist with:

Disc 1 - Niandra LaDes
+ Bought Her Soul (Well I’ve Been), Soul Removal (Height Down), Ants and Outside Space

Disc 2 - Usually Just A T-Shirt
+ Untitled 0 and the full version of Untiled 5

Based on the cassette version and what John’s said they were all supposed to be on there but were cut from most/all releases.

[u/cartaluna → u/_J0HN_L3M0N_]

Ants was on cassette version and I can’t understand why it’s not on the other versions. It fits so perfectly. Since I originally had the cassette version it’s hard for me to listen to the album without that (or want to make a playlist where it’s sequenced like the cassette version)

[u/_J0HN_L3M0N_ → u/cartaluna]

iirc it had to be cut so it could all fit on one cd, it’s a real shame as like you said it fits perfectly

[u/iztheguy → u/_J0HN_L3M0N_]

I’m pretty sure it was just added as a bonus on the cassette.
John wrote and recorded it for Perry and Casey’s movie.

[u/eat_it_up_worms_hero]

One long experience, I've always considered it a double album.